Nominations open for 2013 Mayor's Arts AwardsAwards celebrate contributions of arts and culture community to Seattle;nomination deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 15

SEATTLE — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Mayor's Arts Awards via an online form: surveymonkey.com/s/2013-Mayors-Arts-Awards. The awards recognize the accomplishments of artists, arts and cultural organizations and community members committed to enriching their communities through the arts. There will be five awards presented this year in the following newly created categories. All categories are open to individuals, organizations or community groups.

Future Focus: Awarded for making a difference in arts education and youth work.
Previous recipients include Reel Grrls (2010) and Coyote Central and Marybeth Saterlee (2008)

Artistic City: for helping to shape Seattle as a city of creativity.
Previous recipients include public artist Buster Simpson (2012) and Pratt Fine Arts Center (2011).

Venture Culturalist: Awarded for investment in our cultural community by a funder, business, donor or professional development/service organization.
Previous recipients include Seattle Foundation (2004) and Artist Trust (2009).

Arts as the How: Awarded for deep and lasting impact on social issues, such as race and social justice.
Previous recipients include Three Dollar Bill Cinema (2012) and Longhouse Media's Native Lens Program (2007).

The Seattle Arts Commission will review public nominations and recommend recipients to the mayor for final selection. Last year more than 500 nominations were received.

"The arts are an area of great strength and achievement for Seattle," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I'm always impressed with the accomplishments of the award winners and I anticipate another round of inspiring groups and individuals this year."

McGinn will honor recipients of the 2013 Mayor's Arts Awards at a public ceremony at Seattle Center, 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30. The afternoon will include an opening of the Visual Arts Festival at 3 p.m., Mayors Arts Awards at 4 p.m. and a concert with School of Rock at 5:30 p.m. All Friday afternoon events are free.

The nomination deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 15. The nomination form is available online at www.seattle.gov/arts. For a print version of the form, contact Tamara Gill, (206) 733-9591 or tamara.gill@seattle.gov.

The awards are presented in partnership with Bumbershoot®: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival and media sponsor City Arts magazine.

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.